India is one of the most exciting gap year destinations on the planet and a festival for all the senses, full of vibrant colours, flavours and exotic delights. Take one of our India group tours and be awe-inspired by the breathtaking landscape, tap into your romantic side at the Taj Mahal or get lost in the bright buzz of the bustling cities. Discover the real India by volunteering on a community project and make your gap year a truly rewarding experience. Whether you are haggling in the lively markets of Mumbai, winding down on a beach in Goa, hiking in the Himalayas, scuba diving or getting Zen at a Buddhist shrine, our India trips are an the perfect way to experience this sensational, spicy, sensual treat of a destination.
Read more in our India Travel Guide.
India Trips and Tours
Highlights of North India
20 days
from £819 £614
See the best bits of India without breaking the bank!
From the delights of New Delhi to the colourful cities in Rajasthan experience three weeks of sightseeing in iconic India. Includes an overnight camel safari, boat trips on the Ganges, and the Taj Mahal.
Total India
21 days from £1,399
5.0 2Take a journey of discovery from Delhi to Kochi
Discover India's beaches, cities, and backwaters as you travel from north to south. Dive into the action in amazing Agra, colourful Jaipur, and majestic Udaipur, and feel your relaxation levels rising on Goa's golden beaches, and Kerala's peaceful waterways.
Best of India & Sri Lanka
24 days from £2,549
5.0 27The best of India and Sri Lanka in 24 days
Experience two of the world's most breathtaking travel destinations, enchanting India and sensational Sri Lanka. In 24 days, discover world wonders, iconic landmarks, enriching cultural experiences, once-in-a-lifetime activities and secluded slices of paradise!
Delhi to Kathmandu Adventure
15 days from £669
5.0 14The highlights of India and Nepal in 15 unforgettable days!
Head East through India and Nepal on this incredible 15-day tour from Delhi to Kathmandu. Watch the sunrise over Savitri Temple, tour around the iconic Taj Mahal, and cross into Nepal for a glimpse of the Himalayas!
India Golden Triangle
8 days from £649
5.0 3Discover the mystery and magic of North India
Hit northern India's highlights over 8 amazing days. Explore the streets of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and spend a night in a rural village.
India Facts
Capital City
New DelhiCurrency
Indian Rupee (INR)Language
Hindi and EnglishDialling Code
+91Plug Type
Types C, D and MIndia Highlights
New Delhi
Kickstart your India adventure in its larger-than-life capital. Famous for its medieval ruins, vibrant streets and outstanding culinary treasures, this city is an experience in every sense. From haggling at spice markets to visiting awe-inspiring mosques and flower-shaped temples, New Delhi is a dream destination.
Taj Mahal - Agra
A World Heritage masterpiece, the legendary Taj Mahal surpasses all travellers’ expectations. The Taj Mahal’s history is an epic love story, as Mughal emperor Shah Jahan commissioned it in memory of his favourite wife. As the most recognisable sight in South Asia, a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of this wonder is worth the journey alone.
Jaipur
Jaipur is the jewel at the end of India’s treasured Golden Triangle route. Nicknamed the “Pink City” after its cotton candy coloured architecture, Jaipur leaves a legacy like no other. Chase the rainbow inside Patrika Gate, marvel at the spectacular Hawa Mahal and admire the centuries-old textile tradition that is just as vibrant as Jaipur itself.
Thar Desert
Yearning to experience India off the beaten path? Retreat into the Thar Desert, filled with elusive dunes, secret civilisations and infinite stretches of sand. Camping in this vast desert is a story you’ll be retelling for decades, from sunsets that transform the desert into a bronze planet, to endless constellations that set fire to the night sky.
Kerala
Kerala proves just how diverse India’s magical scenery is. Immerse yourself in a tropical jungle oasis, featuring roads that wind through valleys, cascading tea garden terraces and palm trees by the open rivers. Exploring this rich landscape is a mystical experience, especially if you’re riding a traditional Shikara boat along its jade waters.
Jodhpur
The blue to Jaipur’s pink, India’s vast cities come in every shade. Jodhpur’s vibrant cityscape is like an ocean reimagined, leading up to the epic Mehrangarh Fort atop an enchanting hill. From its opulent historical sites to the royal blue landscapes, Jodhpur is a photographer’s paradise.
Jaisalmer
India’s golden city of Jaisalmer is glorious. From sandstone complexes with domed rooftops to fortresses nestled into emerald hills, this mysterious city has centuries of history ready to be revealed. Besides its iconic fort, the best way to experience Jaisalmer is on a trip to the inviting bazaars and savouring the sumptuous culinary palette.
Goa
Plan a sandy escape to Goa, a tropical getaway in India’s enchanting south. Its dreamy beaches stretch along the Arabian Sea, while inland you can expect an unforgettable blend of Indian and Portuguese influences. This destination is a real cultural fusion and offers a distinct culinary palate that tastes light and fresh.
India Travel Advice
Climate & Weather
India has an extraordinarily varied climate, with Himalayan mountains in the north and tropical weather in the south. Whether you prefer mountains, deserts, beaches or city breaks, India has it all! Overall, temperatures get very hot from April onwards with a monsoon season from June to September.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit India is during October and March. This is during the winter months when the weather is cooler and drier throughout the entire country, although India’s south is a good 10℃ warmer than the north. Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, takes place between October and November every year. The five days of festivities, fireworks and feasts are culturally enriching and beautiful to witness, with lanterns and candles illuminating the night sky. Meanwhile the Holi festival in March is a celebration of love and life, with each colourful powder having a unique cultural meaning.
Customs & Culture
India is a huge country with multiple religions, so customs & culture will vary based on the region you visit. Travellers are encouraged to dress conservatively, particularly when visiting a household or place of worship. Always wash your hands before and after eating, and try to avoid using your left hand to give/receive objects or touch people because it can cause offence.
Passports & Visas
British passport holders will need a visa to visit India. You can apply for a regular or e-visa through the Indian Embassy in the UK. Check your eligibility and any restrictions before applying. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into India. It must also have 2 blank pages for your visa. Always check FCDO advice before travelling for up-to-date information.
Health & Safety
Healthcare in India is expensive, so always purchase comprehensive travel insurance for your trip. Check 12 weeks before you travel for the latest information on health risks and what vaccines you may need. Air pollution can be high in North Indian cities, so asthmatic travellers may wish to wear a mask. Be mindful of altitude sickness if travelling to mountainous regions.
India is good for tourists, but scams and pickpocketing can happen. Travellers are encouraged to take general precautions and to avoid isolated areas and walking alone at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights to India from the UK generally take 8 hours and 40 minutes. It is common to find direct flights from London to Delhi.
Earplugs can be helpful in India’s major cities, as well as a mask or scarf on days when pollution is higher. Pack a portable charger, backup batteries for electronic devices, bug spray, sunscreen, a mini first-aid and medication kit, a water bottle and a small bag of toiletries for train journeys. Dry shampoo can come in handy on hotter days.
Always pack long, lightweight and loose-fitting clothing to stay cool in the heat. Scarfs are helpful for tuk-tuk rides and on cool nights. Dark-coloured shoes that are easy to walk in, plus comfortable flip-flops are recommended. When visiting temples, dressing modestly and not wearing leather is encouraged.
India is a haven for wildlife, as it is home to Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, Asian elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, monkeys, snakes and bison. Cows are sacred creatures in India and are believed to represent the divine Mother Goddess of fertility and maternal love.
Indian food is typically hot, spicy and delicious. Flavours vary depending on the region, as Northern Indian food is rich and comforting while the South’s dishes are light and refreshing. Staple ingredients are lentils, vegetables, whole-wheat flour and rice. From a wide variety of curry dishes to street food like samosas and pani puri (crispy, hollow dough balls stuffed with potato and vegetables), Indian food is one to remember. And if you are a vegetarian or vegan traveller, India is arguably the best destination in the world for plant-based food!
Between the incredible range of adventures and the affordable prices, India is a great destination for gap years. Explore the legendary Golden Triangle, retreat into the Thar Desert, visit beautiful temples and find tropical paradise in the South. Every corner of India offers something different, and if you are looking to extend your travels further through Asia, it is easy to reach Nepal’s Kathmandu region from here!
India Trip Reviews
Read more about India
How to Avoid Delhi Belly While Travelling in India
We all want to enjoy our time on our travels, so here are some tips to make your time in India delightful! Delhi is a lively city offering many beautiful historic sites to explore. Plus, Delhi also provides some of the best authentic Indian food, which we all want to enjoy. Travellers can get a sickness called Delhi belly due...
Last updated: 14th March 2024
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